EXCEL Academy – Playground Upgrades – Fort Washington, MD

Excel Academy

EXCEL Academy Public Charter School in Fort Washington, Maryland wanted to transform two compact outdoor areas into real play destinations for their youngest students. Working between classroom wings and along the edge of the play field, the school needed playground equipment that would pack a lot of activity into a small footprint and still be easy for teachers to supervise. Territory representative Reggie Johnson from Bliss Products and Services walked the site with school leaders, reviewed how each space was being used, and helped them select play systems and safety surfacing that fit the site and met current playground safety guidelines.   The final design features bright blue and green play structures sized for early elementary grades. Multiple slides, climbers, and decks give children several different ways to move, climb, and slide, which keeps lines moving and encourages active play. Engineered wood fiber surfacing provides fall protection and a clean play surface, while the layouts leave clear circulation paths so staff can see the entire area and move quickly when they need to.

Personal Note from Reggie Johnson:  This project stands out to me because of how much it meant to the students and staff at EXCEL Academy. On my first visit the spaces outside the classrooms were mostly open ground and hard surfaces, and it was clear that the children needed more options for safe, active play. Coming back after the playgrounds were installed and seeing students racing down the slides, taking turns on the climbers, and filling every part of the structure was a great moment. Watching teachers easily supervise from the edges while the kids played hard but safely was a reminder of why thoughtful playground design matters so much in a school setting.

Across Prince George’s County and throughout Maryland, many schools and charter programs face similar challenges to EXCEL Academy when they plan outdoor play spaces. Tight courtyards, narrow side yards, and busy bus loops can make it hard to picture how a playground will fit. Bliss Products and Services works with principals, facility teams, and charter boards to evaluate existing space, select age-appropriate equipment and surfacing, and coordinate installation so projects are completed with minimal disruption to the school day. From small courtyard layouts to larger play fields, the team helps schools create safe, welcoming playgrounds that support active learning and recess for their students.